Kia EV 6. Source: Kia
Whether charging speed, cargo space or driving range is the most important factor when choosing an electric SUV, there are already numerous options on the local auto market to choose from.
Sports utility vehicles and crossovers continue to be a top seller on the auto market in Australia, and the relatively small electric segment of that is no exception. More than 3,600 electric SUVs were sold in Australia in 2021, held back only by the fact that the Tesla Model Y’s arrival has been delayed and other carmakers have had limits placed on inventory as HQs prioritise overseas markets.
While the highly anticipated Tesla Model Y will certainly be a warmly welcomed addition to the local EV market, having nabbed yet another award as the “Best EV of 2022” recently, when it does arrive it will join a range of 10 electric SUVs priced under $90,000 before on-roads (which is also looking likely for the Model Y).
From the newly launched BYD Atto 3 up to the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo XC40 Pure recharge, there are many already available for order, with the Volvo C40 Recharge also expected by the end of 2022 and Volkswagen ID.4 further down the track.
But why people choose one electric SUV over another can differ from driver to driver. It might be anything from having the ability to throw a pram in the back next to the dog, to being able to pack the family and sundry into the car and onto the roof for a road trip, or just the ability to tow your trailer, boat or caravan off to your favourite spot.
To help you decide, we’ve broken down some of the most important factors by comparing thirteen electric SUVs priced from under $90,000 (with the caveat that pricing for the Tesla Model Y, Volvo C40 Recharge and VW ID.4 has not yet been released).
Currently, the longest range electric SUV or crossover on the market is the Kia EV6 rear-wheel-drive Air with up to 528km (based on the WLTP test cycle, so expect around 470km in real world conditions). The Tesla Model Y once (and when!) it is launched will meet the EV6 head on in terms of driving range, while the VW ID.4 looks to be the next most promising addition – the Pro Performance just clocked in 450km EPA range – a timeline for its launch will only be considered by Volkswagen Australia after it introduces the Cupra Born electric hot hatch.
That said, long driving range isn’t necessarily a top factor in choosing an electric SUV, unless you plan on loading it up every now and then for the holidays and still want to have enough range to get to your next charging stop.
The Kia EV6 also offers the most power out of any electric SUV currently on the market. This time though it is the GT-line AWD model that gets all the kudos: with a respectable 239kW from dual motors it delivers 605Nm torque making it a top-performing choice. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range AWD is also a powerful choice offering 225kW power from dual motors and the same hefty 605Nm torque.
The Volvo C40 Recharge is also expected to offer some serious performance, with 300kW power and 660Nm on offer in a sole dual motor option.
Again, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 make the grade. Both rated for 1600kg towing capacity, they will only be matched by the Tesla Model Y which according to certified specifications will also be rated for 1600kg towing.
That is, until the Volvo C40 makes it onto the market. Rated for 1800kg towing overseas, it already packs a serious punch in terms of power and torque. Also good to keep in mind is that the Volvo XC40 Pure Recharge can tow 1500kg.
Yep, you guessed it – the Kia EV6 gets the fastest top speed at 260km/hr as well as the quickest acceleration, able to sprint from 0 to 100km/hr in 3.5 seconds in its AWD format. The Model Y, which recently had its acceleration slashed on the base model to 6.9 seconds, can still do 0-100km/hr in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 217km/hr. The Volvo C40 Recharge promises to be next on the list with acceleration in 4.7 seconds, but a top speed of 180km/hr.
Again, it almost goes without saying that the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge the fastest at a top rate of 350kW thanks to an 800-volt architecture. The premium Model Y can charge at 250kW, making it also a good option for those wanting quick top-ups on the road.
At home, the shops or work, every electric SUV model from Volvo, Hyundai, Kia (except the e-Niro), Mercedes, Volkswagen and Tesla can charge at 11kW on an AC charger, while the Kia e-Niro, Lexus UX300e, MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3 charge at 7kW.
Biggest is not always best when it comes to car size, at least as far as length, height and width go. If you’re looking for a compact SUV your best bet is the 4,180mm Hyundai Kona Electric or the 4,314mm MG ZS EV. The shortest electric SUV or crossover on the market is the Lexus UX 300e at 1,545 high, while the narrowest is the Mazda MX-30 at 1,795mm wide.
However, if you’re wanting something with lots of room width-ways for seat space, look to the 1,920mm wide Tesla Model Y.
On cargo space, it looks like the VW ID.4 will have the most room in the back out of the group with 543 litres. The Hyudnai Ioniq 5 though comes in with 531 litres, followed by the Kia EV6 (490 litres), the Kai e-Niro (451 litres) and the MG ZS EV (448 litres).
While it wouldn’t take a keen observer of the EV market to chip in here with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (yet again!), the BYD Atto 3 will also come with a mobile V2L adaptor. Word is that the new MG ZS EV set to arrive in mid-2022 may also have this feature – stay tuned.
The old adage “You get what you pay for” is perhaps most relevant when it comes to cars. The Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volvo C40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y are certainly strong contenders in the factors we’ve look at, and of the two that we have form pricing for, the Kia EV6 AWD is perhaps the best example of this. Coming out on top on power and torque, charging speed, acceleration, towing, it starts from $82,990 in its top-specced option.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is also a good contender, and with a longer range battery option on the way, is currently priced from $71,900 for its base model. Pricing can only be guessed at for the Model Y, so we’ll place our bets for now on somehwere around $66,000 (10% over the price of the Tesla Model 3) if the base Model Y makes it to market from the get go.
At the other end of the spectrum you have the BYD Atto 3 and the MG ZS EV – see our comparison here for a break down:
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.
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